Text only Version of the Online Writing Lab
St. Louis Community College - Meramec
"She sings at the top of her lungs."
On a literal level this means... She sings all high notes.
Incorrect - On a literal level using the word top in the context of an action means the action is at full capacity. The idea of singing only high notes indicates a tonal range associated with using one’s vocal chords and not the lungs.